Month: September 2024

Today’s quick review: All-Star Superman. Tricked by Lex Luthor (Anthony LaPaglia) into absorbing too much solar radiation, Superman (James Denton) finds that his powers have tripled but that the overload is killing him. With only weeks left to live, Superman sets out to forge a lasting legacy, first by revealing his secret identity to Lois Lane (Christina Hendricks) and then by saving the Earth from Luthor’s final plan.

All-Star Superman is an animated superhero adventure based on the graphic novel by Grant Morrison. All-Star Superman is a love letter to Superman, embracing all the peculiar lore that the character has accumulated over the years. Far-flung science fiction and thoughtful takes on Superman, Lois, and Lex make the movie a solid choice for superhero fans. However, its eclectic style of storytelling will not suit everyone.

Underneath the colorful trappings of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, his robotic assistants, and his bewildering array of alien technology, All-Star Superman is a study of Superman and his relationships with Lois, Lex, and the world. The movie takes pains to show how each piece of Superman’s life fits in, from his clumsy alter ego as Clark Kent to his larger-than-life heroics to his rivalry with the brilliant but delusional Lex Luthor.

The downside of All-Star Superman’s take on the character is that it requires even greater suspension of disbelief than usual. Instead of limiting the extent of Superman’s powers, All-Star Superman pushes them farther than ever. The result is a world that is enjoyably imaginative but not very consistent, and which makes no attempt to explain how elements like time travel and superpower serums fit with Superman’s apparent mortality.

How much you get out of All-Star Superman will vary greatly. For those who come at the movie with a critical eye, All-Star Superman is an eclectic story that makes up the rules as it goes along, to the detriment of focus and consistency. But for those willing to roll with the punches, the movie is a whirlwind tour of the farthest reaches of Superman’s canon, all wrapped around an insightful take on the character’s central themes.

For a similar confrontation with Lex Luthor, check out Superman: Doomsday. For an alternate take on Superman that also pushes the limits of his abilities, try Superman: Red Son. For another examination of Superman’s core values, try Superman vs. the Elite.

[6.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1699114/). I give it a 7.0 for interesting ideas with a hit-or-miss world.

Today’s quick review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2. With Batman (Peter Weller) out of retirement, Gotham faces upheaval. Ellen Yindel (Maria Canals-Barrera), the new police commissioner, turns the Gotham PD against Batman. The Joker (Michael Emerson), apparently reformed, prepares for his public comeback. And Superman (Mark Valley), acting on orders from the President, comes to Gotham to force Bruce quit for good.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is an animated superhero movie based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. Bruce Wayne, older but undaunted, pushes back against years of crime and corruption, giving Gotham the opportunity to remake itself. Part 2 escalates the situation introduced in Part 1, as Bruce’s actions have dangerous ripple effects. Solid craftsmanship and an insightful story make the film a worthwhile watch.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 brings to life some of the character’s most iconic moments. Batman’s break with the Gotham police, Joker’s perverse return to the public eye, and the seemingly inevitable clash between Superman and Batman all contribute to the sense of something final. The story takes major risks, practically burning down Gotham to set up its finale, but the payoff is seeing the character pushed to his limits.

Still, Part 2 has the same drawbacks as Part 1. The art style is grotesque and distorted, showing Batman’s familiar cast of characters at their worst. The tone is bleak even when the story is trying to be optimistic. The story is laced with heavy-handed 80s political commentary. Finally, some viewers may not agree with the film’s thesis statement about where and why Batman should draw the line.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is a worthy conclusion to the story begun in Part 1. Its bleak tone and heavy stylization mean that it will not appeal to everyone, but its iconic scenes and titanic conflicts make it an important part of the Batman canon. Fans of the character should give it a try. Skip it if you are looking for a lighter superhero adventure.

For an animated superhero movie that comes at similar themes from a different angle, try Superman: Red Son. For a live-action clash between Batman and Superman, try Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. For a live-action Batman movie that adapts elements of the same storyline, try The Dark Knight Rises. For a bookend story that features Batman in his early career, try Batman: Year One.

[8.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2166834/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid craftsmanship with an ambitious but hit-or-miss story.

Today’s quick review: Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite. On the eve of Election Day, presidential candidate Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown) sets out to make his victory a lock by using the Joker’s (Christopher Corey Smith) chemical gas to brainwash the voters. When the pair of villains prove too powerful to stop alone, Batman (Troy Baker) reluctantly teams up with Superman (Travis Willingham) to foil their scheme.

Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite is an animated superhero adventure set in a Lego version of the DC Universe. Unlike other Lego films, Lego Batman: The Movie places its story first and its humor second. Although the movie is still family-friendly and has plenty of jokes, the focus is on Batman’s attempts to stop Lex Luthor and the Joker. The result is a comic book adventure writ small with a surprising amount of style.

Lego Batman: The Movie takes a very different approach from the later Lego DC Super Heroes movies. Instead of designing a world solely for comedy, the movie takes its inspiration from the classic Batman and Superman movie series. Detailed environments, dynamic camerawork, and more flexible use of the Lego models set Lego Batman: The Movie apart.

Lego Batman: The Movie also packs in quite a lot of action. Unlike its live-action counterparts, it is not afraid to toss in extra characters or new ideas. The result is a fast-paced movie that opens strong and escalates steadily to a large-scale finale. Furthermore, the extra care the movie takes with its presentation makes it easier to take the action seriously, making the conflicts satisfying in spite of the Lego environment.

Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite is something of an anomaly. It has the charm and the freewheeling spirit of a kids’ movie, but its engaging plot, semi-serious tone, and surprisingly skilled cinematography give it a quality that other Lego superhero movies usually lack. While it is not for everyone, Lego Batman: The Movie is worth a watch for DC fans looking for something fun that’s off the beaten path.

For a Lego take on Batman that’s more comedic, self-aware, and bigger-budget, check out The Lego Batman Movie. For lighter Lego adventures with Batman and Superman, try Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom! or Cosmic Clash.

[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2465238/). I give it a 7.0 for a modest premise executed with real passion.

Today’s quick review: Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash. Brainiac (Phil LaMarr), a robotic alien conqueror, seeks to complete his collection of planets by shrinking the Earth and sealing it in a jar. When the Justice League tries to stop him, Brainiac scatters them throughout time. Now it falls to Batman (Troy Baker) and the Flash (James Arnold Taylor) to travel back in time and reunite the League.

Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash is a family animated superhero comedy that pits Earth’s defenders against a technologically advanced alien. Cosmic Clash retains the light tone and kid-friendly humor of the other collaborations between Lego and DC. But it also hits a sweet spot with its plot, working in a fair amount of variety without feeling too haphazard. The result is a charming but insubstantial watch.

Cosmic Clash picks a fun angle for its story. Its version of Brainiac is a perfect example of how to take an established character and adjust him for a young audience. The movie also scores with its interpretation of Batman, who’s as serious and steadfast as his comic book counterpart but lives in a universe with much lighter rules. Coupled with some clever jokes and a well-structured plot, this gives Cosmic Clash a solid foundation.

Cosmic Clash still has the expected limitations of a kids’ movie. The humor skews young, reducing the hit rate for older audiences. The plot works well enough but is not groundbreaking. As such, the movie will not win over many reluctant viewers. But if you are a fan of the Lego DC movies, or are just a Justice League fan looking for something lighter, Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash is worth a shot.

For a more serious clash between Superman and Brainiac, try Superman: Unbound. For another Lego adventure in a similar vein, try Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom! or Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5251438/). I give it a 6.5 for well-scoped superhero adventure.

Today’s quick review: Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom!. Frustrated with losing to the Justice League, Lex Luthor (John DiMaggio) assembles Earth’s greatest supervillains to form the Legion of Doom. For their first crime, the Legion breaks into Area 52 to free the Martian Manhunter (Dee Bradley Baker) and turn his psychic powers against the League.

Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom! is a family animated superhero comedy. The story follows Batman (Troy Baker), Superman (Nolan North), Wonder Woman (Grey Griffin), Green Lantern (Josh Keaton), the Flash (James Arnold Taylor), and the League’s newest member Cyborg (Khary Payton) as they try to stop the first large-scale supervillain team-up.

Attack of the Legion of Doom! has a better balance than some of the other Lego superhero movies. The plot hangs together nicely, focusing on Lex’s plan to get rid of the Justice League and Cyborg’s attempts to prove himself after botching a mission. The humor skews young but can be charming. And while the gags and the action both take advantage of Lego physics, the Lego elements do not derail the superhero storyline.

Lego DC Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom! is a fine pick for those looking for something light and family-friendly. It does not have the sharp humor or novelty needed to hook older viewers, but it manages to avoid the usual missteps of the genre, thanks to a coherent plot and humor that never goes too far amiss.

For a more serious take on the Legion of Doom, try Justice League: Doom. For another animated superhero movie with Superman and Martian Manhunter, try Superman: Man of Tomorrow. For a Lego superhero movie with better humor, try The Lego Batman Movie or Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4938416/). I give it a 6.5 for a fun story without much depth.

Today’s quick review: Lego DC Batman: Family Matters. Shortly after Batman (Troy Baker) gives up his alter ego as Bruce Wayne to fight crime full-time, the Red Hood (Jason Spisak) teams up with Two Face (Christian Lanz) to set a trap for Batman and his allies. Now Robin (Scott Menville), Nightwing (Will Friedle), Batgirl (Alyson Stoner), and Batwoman (Tara Strong) must help Batman defuse five bombs before Gotham explodes.

Lego DC Batman: Family Matters is a family animated superhero comedy that very loosely adapts the Red Hood storyline from the comics. Batman has to face his failures as a friend and a mentor when a villain with a grudge targets Bruce and his family. Family Matters benefits from the light tone and creative freedom of other Lego movies. However, its plot is a mishmash of ideas that do not quite work together.

At its best, Family Matters puts a creative and kid-friendly spin on the DC Universe. The portrayal of Batman as an ultra-serious crime-fighter just waiting to get out of his duties as Bruce Wayne is charming. Dedicated fans will notice some clever references to characters and storylines from other DC media. And while the use of Lego limits the action, Family Matters does manage to keep its large cast busy.

Where Family Matters gets into trouble is its story. Pitting the Red Hood against Batman’s family works out fine, but the plot surrounding it is messy. Family Matters picks three separate storylines and jams them together, resulting in an unfocused opening and a final act that goes off in a very different direction. The story is not meant to be deep, but it only feels cohesive for a brief segment in the middle.

Lego DC Batman: Family Matters is an enjoyable enough watch for fans who like the characters, but it’s missing the craftsmanship needed to make full use of the world it is playing in. If you are a fan of the other Lego superhero movies, Family Matters is worth a watch: flawed but fun. Fans of the more serious side of the character may want to steer clear, though, as the movie doesn’t do anything to win over more critical viewers.

For a more serious adaptation of the Red Hood storyline, try Batman: Under the Red Hood. For a bigger-budget Lego take on Batman, check out The Lego Batman Movie. For a Lego superhero comedy in a similar vein, try Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash. For a kid-friendly take on Batman with a grab bag of villains, try the Batman Unlimited series.

[6.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10327712/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for sporadic charm with an unfocused story.

Today’s quick review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1. Ten years after he retired from crime-fighting, Bruce Wayne (Peter Weller) resumes his career as Batman to combat an epidemic of crime in Gotham. His example spurs Carrie Kelley (Ariel Winter), a fiery teenage girl, to take up the mantle of Robin. But Batman, now older and slower, may have bitten off more than he can chew by challenging the Mutants, a gang of savage youngsters.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is an animated superhero movie based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. The Dark Knight Returns picks up with an older Bruce Wayne who’s drawn out of retirement by the same compulsions that made him become Batman in the first place. The story examines the character from a different angle and reaches some interesting conclusions, making it a peculiar but compelling part of the DC canon.

The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 does an elegant job of adapting its source material. The character designs are stylized enough to set them apart but clean enough to animate well. The plot structure is a little unusual, pivoting between two or three loosely related subplots, but it fits the needs of the movie. The tone strikes an effective balance between bleakness and hope: Bruce is well past his prime, but he still has fight left in him.

Still, The Dark Knight Returns has a very particular vision that will not suit everyone. The world and its occupants are exaggerated in grotesque ways, contributing to the atmosphere of decay. Seeing Bruce, Alfred (Michael Jackson), and Commissioner Gordon (David Selby) old and with no legacy can be depressing. Finally, the story twists the superhero genre in uncomfortable ways, dissecting the psychology of its heroes and villains.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is a worthwhile watch for any dedicated fans of the genre. The quality of the adaptation, the questions it asks, and the iconic take on Batman all make the movie intriguing at worst and captivating at best. But the offbeat story and strong flavor of 80s pessimism mean that the movie will not necessarily hit the mark at an emotional level, making it more of a thought experiment for some viewers.

For another adaptation of a Frank Miller Batman comic, check out Batman: Year One. For a live-action Batman movie that has similar plot points, try The Dark Knight Rises. For another long-form adaptation of an iconic Batman storyline, try Batman: The Long Halloween. For a live-action superhero movie that also deals with retired superheroes, the public’s reaction to them, and 80s social commentary, try Watchmen.

[8.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2313197/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for careful craftsmanship and a thought-provoking story.

Today’s quick review: Batman: Year One. Eighteen years after the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne (Ben McKenzie) returns to Gotham looking to make a difference. Disgusted with the corruption in the city, he dons a costume and becomes Batman. Meanwhile, Lt. Jim Gordon (Bryan Cranston) transfers to Gotham and faces the pressure of being one of the only honest officers in the city’s corrupt police force.

Batman: Year One is an animated superhero crime movie that chronicles Bruce Wayne’s first year as a vigilante. Adapted from the Frank Miller comics, Year One sees Bruce grow from a lucky amateur to a force to be reckoned with in Gotham’s underworld. Year One takes a more grounded approach than other Batman movies, toning down the flashier aspects of Batman’s character while leaving the core of it intact.

Batman: Year One benefits from a believable world and impressive animation quality. The story escalates naturally as Batman’s arrival sends ripples through Gotham. The corruption in Gotham’s police force complements Batman’s arc well, showing just how bad Gotham can get and establishing why Batman works outside the law. Gordon makes for a great perspective character, demonstrating resolve, decisiveness, and some very human flaws.

The main catch is that Year One is not as flashy as other superhero stories. There are no real supervillains, Bruce sustains serious injuries, and the bulk of the action involves either gangs of criminals or the police. This, combined with the heavy emphasis on Gordon’s perspective, gives the movie the flavor of a crime drama. Fans who are used to raw spectacle and large-scale drama may find Year One sedate by comparison.

Batman: Year One is a well-crafted movie that helps solidify the key parts of Batman’s origin story and his world. Not everyone will enjoy what it is going for, particularly its lack of a singular villain, its winding plot, and some of the frailties it gives its characters. But for those willing to take the movie on its own terms, Batman: Year One is a satisfying watch that captures some of the best aspects of the character.

For a very similar take on Batman’s origins, check out Batman Begins. For a sprawling mystery with a similar story structure, try Batman: The Long Halloween. For a live-action crime drama about police corruption, try Street Kings or Training Day.

[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1672723/). I give it a 7.0 for a cleanly told story that gets at the heart of its characters.

Today’s quick review: Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants. Enraged by the drilling at his Antarctic hideaway, Mr. Freeze (Oded Fehr) teams up with the Penguin (Dana Snyder) and four Arkham inmates to engineer giant monsters that will freeze Gotham. Batman (Roger Craig Smith) joins forces with the new Robin (Lucien Dodge), Nightwing (Will Friedle), Green Arrow (Chris Diamantopoulos), and the Flash (Charlie Schlatter) to fight back.

Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants is a family animated superhero movie, the third and final in the Batman Unlimited series. Mechs vs. Mutants scales up the action by pitting Batman and his allies against giant-sized foes. The movie features a serviceable plot, kid-friendly action, and a giant monster-themed niche that’s nearly unique in the Batman franchise. However, a shallow story and a contrived premise hold it back.

Mechs vs. Mutants is where the world of Batman Unlimited comes into its own. The cast overlaps with Animal Instincts, giving the series a nice sense of continuity. The character dynamics feel comfortable on both the hero and villain sides. And while the monster gimmick feels forced, the movie commits to it fully, making Mechs vs. Mutants more consistent than its predecessors and opening the door for some fun, destructive battles.

The shortcomings of Mechs vs. Monsters are similar to the other movies in the series. The movie takes a grab bag approach to its world, dropping the moody atmosphere of Gotham for a menagerie of colorful characters. The story is driven by the need to show off new vehicles, weapons, and character designs as much as anything. Finally, the script has very little going on besides the main conflict and some light banter.

Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants puts forth a more credible effort than its predecessors, but it will still struggle to capture the attention of older viewers. Anyone willing to relax, have fun, and let the movie take liberties with the rules of Batman’s universe will have a good time. But anyone looking for a fully developed plot or a hook that is more in line with typical Batman stories may want to steer clear.

For a Batman movie that toys with similar ideas, try Batman Ninja. For family superhero adventure with a similarly freewheeling attitude, try The Lego Batman Movie. For mechs versus giant monsters in a better-developed world, try Pacific Rim. For another Batman adventure with mechs, try Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.

[5.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5896146/). I give it a 6.5 for fun action coupled with a shallow story.

Today’s quick review: Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem. Batman (Roger Craig Smith) has his hands full when the Joker (Troy Baker) and a group of fearsome villains try to take over Gotham. Batman teams up with Cyborg (Khary Payton), Green Arrow (Chris Diamantopoulos), Nightwing (Will Friedle), and Red Robin (Yuri Lowenthal) to stop the Joker’s plan, only to hit a wall when the Joker unleashes a computer virus that disables their technology.

Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem is a family animated superhero movie. Like its predecessor Animal Instincts, Monster Mayhem features a futuristic version of Gotham, an emphasis on vehicles and technology, and a thematic cast of villains. The movie earns points with its light tone, fun banter, and freewheeling action. However, the kid-friendly nature of the movie and some unsatisfying choices undermine its strengths.

Monster Mayhem polishes some of the better aspects of Animal Instincts. The futuristic technology is less obtrusive and better calibrated to the strengths of the heroes. The lineup of villains—Silver Banshee (Kari Wuhrer), Solomon Grundy (Fred Tatasciore), Scarecrow (Brian T. Delaney), and Clayface (Dave B. Mitchell)—is a hit, providing fun interactions between them and unique challenges for the heroes. The setup is promising.

But Monster Mayhem has a harder time sticking the landing. The computer virus has little resemblance to the Joker’s usual schemes and no connection to the monster theme of the movie. The supporting villains are gradually sidelined in favor of computer hijinks, and by the end of the movie, the rules are completely arbitrary. The story jettisons cohesion in favor of spectacle and ends up in a very different place from where it started.

Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem is a fun pick for younger audiences, and it holds some charm for older ones as well. Seeing the characters interact is a joy, and the action is entertaining for what it is. But Monster Mayhem fails to tell a satisfying story, and so it ends up squandering the good will it builds up early on. Approach with caution.

For an animated Batman movie that goes off the rails in similar ways, try Batman Ninja. For a family adventure taking place in a virtual world, try Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. For a more mature movie from DC featuring a cast of eccentric villains, try Suicide Squad: Assault on Arkham or Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4729754/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for likable characters and decent action let down by poor plot work.